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ELEGANCE. BROUGHT TO THE ROAD.

Driving dynamics & efficiency of the BMW 7 Series.

ELEGANCE. BROUGHT TO THE ROAD.

Driving dynamics & efficiency of the BMW 7 Series.

Innovative lightweight construction, pioneering engines or a highly intelligent energy management are the best examples: The innovations of the BMW EfficientDynamics engineers set new standards. In the BMW 7 Series, they unite in masterful perfection. The result is the optimum combination of driving comfort, dynamics and efficiency.

ELEGANCE. BROUGHT TO THE ROAD.Driving dynamics & efficiency of the BMW 7 Series.

Innovative lightweight construction, pioneering engines or a highly intelligent energy management are the best examples: The innovations of the BMW EfficientDynamics engineers set new standards. In the BMW 7 Series, they unite in masterful perfection. The result is the optimum combination of driving comfort, dynamics and efficiency.

BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS.

BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS.

Whether the goal is maximum performance or minimum fuel consumption – for BMW, the focus is always on delivering quintessential BMW driving pleasure. BMW EfficientDynamics is the strategy developed by BMW to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while simultaneously increasing dynamics and driving pleasure. It is a comprehensive technology package that encompasses the engine, energy management and the vehicle concept – and comes with every BMW.
The new generation of petrol and diesel engines in the BMW TwinPower Turbo family is responsible for the improved performance and lower fuel consumption. Optimised aerodynamics contribute to increasing efficiency, as does BMW EfficientLightweight, which simultaneously lowers weight and increases vehicle rigidity by using the right materials for the right parts. This is testament to the impressive innovation leadership at BMW, the only major car manufacturer that relies on ultralight and highly rigid carbon fibre (CFRP) as a key material. It is a comprehensive collection of technologies, including an intelligent energy management system and the optional ECO PRO mode, which supports driving that optimises fuel consumption. BMW also focuses on forward-thinking drivetrain concepts such as the BMW eDrive technology with a 100% electric drivetrain and plug-in hybrids.

BMW EFFICIENT LIGHTWEIGHT.

BMW EFFICIENT LIGHTWEIGHT.

As well as developing lightweight construction concepts and an intelligent mix of materials, the BMW EfficientLightweight programme also stands for consistent detail optimisation in all components.
The application of aluminium, highly rigid steel, magnesium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), from which the Carbon Core is created, contribute to the massive, targeted reduction in vehicle weight, while at the same time increasing vehicle stability. This is evident by a reduction in weight of up to 130 kilogrammes in comparison with the previous generation, in spite of extended comfort and safety functions. In addition, the intelligent hybrid construction and weight-optimising joining technologies work together to guarantee a balanced distribution of mass and further lower the centre of gravity.
With these developments, BMW EfficientLightweight sets new standards in intelligent lightweight construction. In comparison to the comparable model of the previous generation, the new BMW 7 Series saves an additional 25% in CO² emissions. This saving occurs along the entire value chain (from raw material extraction to production, transport distances to recycling), through optimized production processes (optimised usage of materials, renewable energies in BMW production) and sustainable product features (secondary aluminium, recycled thermoplastic synthetic materials).

CARBON CORE.

A core element of BMW EfficientLightweight in the BMW 7 Series is to use an innovative mixed construction for the body. Using steel, aluminium and in particular innovative carbon fibre (carbon fibre–reinforced plastic, CFRP) not only meets all the requirements for driving dynamics and comfort, but also sets whole new standards in the luxury class.
At the centre of the holistic concept stands the Carbon Core, showcasing its weight advantage compared with steel in the torsional stiffness of the body. Together with a consistent weight reduction from the broad concept down to the smallest detail, this achieves an almost perfect 50:50 axle load distribution and drops the centre of gravity even further. In short, this spells out the ideal car DNA for maximum driving comfort while still boasting an improvement in handling and agility as well as low fuel consumption and emissions.
In this way, BMW EfficientDynamics intelligently connects the ultimate in efficiency with maximum driving dynamics, and demonstrates its technological capabilities in the field of innovative lightweight construction.

AERODYNAMICS.

Aerodynamics are an important area and play a crucial part in optimising the countless demands made of a vehicle - like air resistance, driving stability and acoustics.
In terms of BMW EfficientDynamics, the most crucial role is played by air resistance, and therefore also the so-called drag coefficient as a measure for streamlining. This is determined to 40% through the proportions of the body, 20% through the undercarriage, 30% through the wheels and wheel arches and 10% through the functional apertures. Wheel arches and functional apertures offer the most effective areas for optimisation, since the basic form is determined to a large degree by vehicle design and the undercarriage is already completely clad.
Air resistance is most markedly reduced by the Air Breather and the Air curtain on the front wheel arches as well as the Active air stream kidney grille with its visible air vents between the grille slats to electrically open and close the air inlet in front of the radiator when needed. Additionally, the 2-axle air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle by 10 mm at speeds over 120 km/h, further reducing air resistance. Air resistance on this vehicle has been reduced by up to 10 % thanks to developments made to the previous model.

Active air stream kidney grille

The Active air stream kidney grille represents the cutting edge of aerodynamic performance. When a cooling airflow is not needed, it electronically closes the radiator grille with its air vents and thereby reduces the amount of air flowing into the engine bay. This optimises both the aerodynamics and consumption rates.

Air Curtain

The Air Curtain reduces drag on the bodyshell in a very simple, but extremely effective way. Two narrowing channels guide the airstream through the front apron and past the wheels. This reduces the air turbulence in the wheel housings, which decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. A further benefit of the Air Curtain is that it contributes to improved cooling of important vehicle components.

Air Breather

The Air Breather is located behind both front wheel arches and is one of the innovations used to optimise the vehicle's aerodynamics. Together with the Air Curtain in the front apron, the Air Breather greatly reduces turbulence and accurately channels the air flow. This decreases air resistance, thereby reducing the vehicle’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Aero wheels

Perfect aerodynamics for optimising fuel consumption doesn’t begin and end with the bodyshell. In and around a vehicle’s wheels and rims, the rotational movements of the spokes often cause air turbulence which stands in the way of perfect airflow. The new resistance-optimised Aero wheels in turbine design developed by BMW counter this turbulence effectively, channelling the air along the sides of the vehicle to the optimum. This lowers wind resistance while at the same time reducing emissions and increasing driving pleasure.

8-SPEED STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

8-SPEED STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

The 8-speed Steptronic transmission sets new benchmarks in comfort and dynamic performance and is a key element of BMW EfficientDynamics. The unusually fine increments between gears facilitate optimum power delivery at all speeds. This reduces fuel consumption significantly, while allowing the driver to enjoy increased sportiness and dynamic performance. The engine speed is reduced, particularly at high speeds, which in turn reduces both fuel consumption and engine noise.
The converter clutch also helps – even if the car is changed to the manual mode. The fast engine speed transitions and precise transmission tuning guarantee incredibly smooth gearshifts.
Integrated functions – such as the predictive drivetrain, the constant monitoring of the vehicle's movements and the traffic situation – considerably affect the way the transmission shifts gears. Regardless of the current driving mode, the system always selects the most suitable gear. The transmission control unit is linked to the navigation system, so depending on the route, the predictive drivetrain switches between a more athletic, responsive setting (SPORT mode) and a more comfortable setting with fewer gear shifts (COMFORT mode).

INTELLIGENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT.

Standard features of the intelligent energy management in the BMW 7 Series include the BMW EfficientDynamics technologies Automatic Start/Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and electric power steering. These technologies working together ensure sustainable mobility and maximum efficiency.
The illustrations shown here are subject to change.

Automatic Start/Stop function

The Automatic Start/Stop function ensures that fuel is only used when the car is actually moving. When the vehicle comes to a temporary standstill, for example at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic, the Automatic Start/Stop function saves fuel by switching off the engine as soon as the driver brakes the car to a complete standstill. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 6%.
A signal in the Info Display indicates that the Automatic Start/Stop function is active. As soon as the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal, the engine starts again automatically.
This function never compromises driving comfort or safety, as it remains inactive if the engine has not reached its optimal running temperature, the interior has not yet been sufficiently heated or cooled, if the battery level is too low or if the steering wheel is being turned. If necessary, a central control unit restarts the engine even when at a standstill, for example if the car begins to roll or if condensation starts to form on the windscreen. The Automatic Start/Stop function can be switched off at any time with the push of a button.

Brake Energy Regeneration

Every braking process generates kinetic energy; and until recently this energy went unused. Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of this long-overlooked potential. It harnesses the coasting energy that is generated whenever the driver brakes or takes their foot off the accelerator, and turns it into electricity. This electricity is then used to charge the car battery. This intelligent energy management system means that the alternator no longer needs to run constantly, which reduces the strain on the generator. The result: reduced fuel consumption and increased propulsion power – classic attributes of BMW EfficientDynamics.

Electric power steering

Electric power steering optimally adjusts the steering support to the current speed. This results in direct, precise steering behaviour at high speeds and effortless manoeuvrability when parking. The steering only consumes energy when it is really necessary. This saves fuel and reduces emissions.
Instead of a hydraulic pump, it relies on an electric motor. In conventional systems, this pump must be constantly powered by the engine, but this electric support only runs when the steering wheel is being moved. When driving straight ahead or maintaining the same steering angle (e.g. on long bends), the electric motor is not active and does not consume any energy. By flexibly adjusting the steering support to match the current driving situation and speed, steering comfort is improved.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE CONTROL INCL. ECO PRO.

Driving Experience Control offers the driver the choice between COMFORT mode, for the standard engine, suspension and transmission settings, ECO PRO mode, which is geared towards greater efficiency, and SPORT mode, which enables even more dynamic driving. Depending on the selected driving mode, and through interaction with real-time navigation, the new interactive function Adaptive Mode continuously adjusts the Dynamic Damper Control, the steering and the Steptronic transmission in good time to suit the current driving situation. In ECO PRO mode the characteristics of the accelerator and transmission as well as the heating/air conditioning settings are adjusted to make the drive as fuel-efficient as possible.
ECO PRO mode reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. Further fuel savings can be achieved using the "coasting" mode, the Route-ahead assistant and ECO PRO route.
The illustrations shown here are subject to change.

Coasting

The "coasting" function allows the vehicle to coast along the road at up to 160 km/h when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator without braking.

Route-ahead assistant

The Route-ahead assistant uses the navigation system to assess local road conditions and give tips in advance. If there is a speed limit change around the next bend, the system advises the driver to slow down before the bend.

ECO PRO route

ECO PRO route also helps to ensure the efficient use of fuel. It suggests an efficiency-optimised route that takes into account the volume of traffic, individual driving style and local conditions.

Adaptive Mode

Adaptive Mode is an intelligent and interactive function in Driving Experience Control. In addition to Adaptive Mode, the driver can also select the SPORT, COMFORT or ECO PRO modes.
The Adaptive Mode influences the Dynamic Damper Control, the steering and Steptronic transmission and continually adapts the settings to suit the current driving situation and in accordance with the selected driving mode (COMFORT/SPORT).
When in Adaptive Mode, the system takes account of numerous indicators such as kickdown, steering wheel movements and cruise control, along with the driver's individual style of driving. Furthermore, the system also relies on interaction with real-time navigation to adjust the suspension control in preparation for bends, intersections or different road conditions.